It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mrs. Yolande Élizabeth Crépeau (née DeCelles), which occurred on Sunday, November 9, 2025, in Ottawa, at the age of 92.
Born in Quebec City on July 28, 1933, she was the daughter of Maurice Duclos DeCelles and Clara McSweeney. She pursued her classical studies - humanities and rhetoric - at the Maria Institute of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, where she developed a lifelong passion for classical Greek and singing.
Like her sister Margot, she worked for Bell Canada. After marrying André Crépeau in 1955, she followed him to the United States, living in Michigan and California, before they settled in Ottawa. A committed and generous woman, she actively contributed to political life at both the national and provincial levels, notably within the Liberal Party. She also served on the board of directors of the National Arts Centre and was one of the founders of the Friends of the Hospital. This organisation enabled the acquisition of specialised equipment for the Ottawa General Hospital. She was involved with several other charitable foundations.
Curious, cultured, and passionate about the arts, politics, and international affairs, Yolande always remained engaged with the world. Reading played a central role in her life: every day, she devoured The Globe and Mail, The Ottawa Citizen, and La Presse.
An enthusiastic traveller, she made many friends in France and Florida, where she and André spent their winters. Together, they shared a deep affection for their grandson Vincent, their greatest treasure.
She is survived by her two sons, Françoys (husband of Xuong Tran and father of Vincent) and Yves, as well as her living siblings, Pauline and Léandre (Andrée), and her deceased siblings, Guy, Margot, and Jean-Eudes.
The funeral will be held at Beechwood Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services, located at 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa.
Visitation will be held on Friday, December 19, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and on Saturday, December 20, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. A Catholic memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 20, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., officiated by Father Jean Muakadi in the Sacred Space at Beechwood. The reception will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Beechwood’s Borden Fleming Suite.
The interment of the ashes will take place at Notre-Dame Cemetery in the spring of 2026.
If you wish to donate in Yolande's memory, her favourite charity is the Snowsuit Fund / Fonds Habineige, whose goal is to ensure that all children can play outside without feeling cold.
Pour la page en français, veuillez suivre ce lien: Yolande Élizabeth Crépeau | Beechwood
Digital Guestbook
Yves Crepeau
Reza Mehran
It is with deep sadness that I learned of the passing of Yolande Crepeau. Yolande was not only the devoted wife of my colleague and partner, Dr. André Crepeau, but also a gracious and generous presence in our daily lives at the Ottawa General Hospital.
Every day, she prepared a small snack for André and me to share between our cases at the coffee shop — a simple gesture that carried her warmth, affection, and genuine care. It was one of the quiet ways she supported us, and it became a reminder of her kindness and the gentle strength she brought to those around her.
Yolande was a remarkable human being — thoughtful, loving, and unfailingly generous. I will miss her deeply, and I remain grateful for the comfort, support, and humanity she brought into our professional and personal lives.
May she rest in peace, and may her memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved her.
Reza J. Mehran M.D.
Professor of Surgery
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Houston, Texas
Michel and Anna Maria Villeneuve
Dear Yves and family, so very sorry to learn about your Mother’s death.
Please be assured of or thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
May her memory be a blessing.
Huge love and hugs
Pontiroli Family
Rest in peace Yolande. Thank you for all the great memories. We will always think of you.
Ian Hammond
I send my sincere condolences to Yolande's family. I remember her as a cultured and generous person. Yolande and André were integral members of the Ottawa General family.
Ian Hammond, retired radiologist
Jacqueline Pelletier
J’ai fréquenté Yolande au cours des années ‘70 alors qu’un petit groupe de francophones militait pour l’avancement de la francophonie, notamment dans le milieu scolaire et aussi, pour l’avancement du statut des femmes.
J’offre mes sincères condoléances à sa famille.
Miss you mom